Tater Tot Dinner
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, crispy Tater Tots, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat.
- Spread the cooked meat evenly in a casserole dish.
- Spread the can of cream of mushroom soup over the top of the hamburger.
- Place Tater Tots on top of the soup layer.
- Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the Tater Tots and bake until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped onions or green peppers to the ground beef while browning. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different taste. If you're looking for a healthier option, try using ground turkey instead of beef. This dish is a great way to use up leftover veggies or cheese from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Tater Tot Dinner pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad like Hidden Valley Pea Salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside some steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw. For a hearty twist, consider adding a side of Mike'S Great Baked Beans to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring they heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tater Tot Dinner contains roughly 44 calories, with 3g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Tater Tots for this recipe?
Yes, frozen Tater Tots work perfectly for this recipe. There's no need to thaw them before adding them to the casserole; just place them directly on top of the soup layer for baking.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer. This will give a slightly different flavor but still keep the dish creamy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).